Additional computer control takes charge of another successful flight, though not without minor errors & also a day late launching thanks to religious protesters and strict weather constraints
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Admin Bldg meeting room filling up again - time to reveal everything we currently have on the Progeny Mk5, our first automated rocket!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
1st Mk5 will not be automated, but scripts will be in place to monitor flight & simulate actions. 5th flight should be fully automated
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
correction: by 3rd flight rocket should be fully automated. 5th flight should see final version of initial flight control software
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk5 boosters have arrived & VAB can now begin building the 1st 2 rockets to launch in Sept, rest will follow once work progresses on 1 & 2
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
boosters are all built to same specs, we will mostly be playing around with coast times & 3rd stage throttle during the various Mk5 ascents
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB humming along. Mk5 #1 rdy for final stacking tomorrow, #2 will begin stacking on Fri and #3 boosters are being finned, stacking next wk
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
the first Progeny Mk5 is ready for launch! That & more via bit.ly/OpsSummary9-4-… - relax this weekend, all - next week be crazy! 🚀🚀!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
nearing the start of preflight, VAB is still busy with final integration of Progeny MK5 #2 while #3, #4 & #5 all continue to be assembled
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
routine launch readiness all across campus, no major issues thus far. VAB remains busy busy working on Mk5s #3, #4 & #5, still plenty to do!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
VAB is already hard at work finalizing Mk5 #3 for rollout tomorrow while #4 & #5 assembly continues to progress ahead of launch next week
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
MSV Tongjess is wrapping up recovery operations, has payload out of the water. Time to clean up, reset & prep for another launch on Monday!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
yesterday during final checkouts a problem with the Mk5 #3 payload instruments was discovered. Rollout is delayed until later today at least
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Maritime Service has issued a severe storm warning along the coast, including Cape Kernaveral. KSC is prepping for storm surge & heavy rain
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk5 payload issue has been resolved, but with the coming storm it will not be rolled out until the severe weather system has passed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
currently there is no delay to the next Progeny Mk5 launch - we will update after the storm if any damages occur that impact launch times
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this has been an amazing crazy week. Be sure to check out bit.ly/OpsSummary9-11… so you don't miss anything! Next week be crazier->!!🚀🚀🚀!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no mandatory evacuation is in effect, but Civvies all hangared, launch base tied down, tracking dishes locked & grnd lvl floors sandbagged
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rain bands have been passing over on/off all day, so local flooding no problem but storm surge + high tide starting to encroach on KSC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
thankfully waters did not rise over to flood KSC, worst of the storm is now past & we will get things cleaned up tomorrow for re-opening
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
minor water damage to VAB roof thanks to a plugged drainage pipe but rockets are all dry & secure. No launch delay for Progeny Mk5 #3 on Mon
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progenitor launch team is running drills today while the engineering team is completing their flight 2 analysis & flight 3 plans for tmrw
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
full launch pad tours this day cycle will be suspended while rocket mounting ops are underway, but buses will come close enough for photos
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
flight analysis complete! get the full details on the last Mk5 flight & what is in store for the 3rd launch tomorrow bit.ly/ProgenitorPR14
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
initial launch readiness checks have been performed today, will wrap up ahead of pre-launch ops tomorrow, which will start @ 17:43 UTC
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/18
#2🌄10:21:07
#3🌅12:57:57 🌄16:21:58
#4🌅18:58:48 !!🚀!! 🌄22:22:49
9/19
#1🌅00:59:39 🌄04:23:40
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/18
#2🌄10:21:07
#3🌅12:57:57 🌄16:21:58
#4🌅18:58:48 !!🚀!! 🌄22:22:49
9/19
#1🌅00:59:39 🌄04:23:40
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
last time we had an eclipse the same day as launch (kerbalspace.agency/?p=4786) things didn't go well. We will see how it turns out this time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-6h] time to get ready for a rocket launch! Earlier today we completed readiness checks & received launch clearance. Wx reports filing in
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tune in to bit.ly/ProgenyMk5-3 for updates after fueling, final count, terminal count & liftoff. Also any launch hold updates
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h30m] launch team is assembling. Flight Director Lanalye is usually not a fan of launching the first day back from a weekend, but the team worked Sunday
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
overall ascent will follow same procedures as prev ones, but 3rd stage boost will push at a TWR of 3 instead of 2 to see how higher we get
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this launch, everything will be automated except the 3rd stage throttle. We will see how code test performs before allowing it on 4th launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
payload science code will also be run for 1st time, but this is not flight-critical code so if anything fails we just try again next time
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5h] weather is GO to begin preflight, low clouds but mostly scattered w/ winds out of the west. Prepping to wake rocket & initialize sys
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
boot up & onload of initialization code was good, changes since our last flight can be reviewed here: bit.ly/AFCS_ChangeLog
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h45m] with the rocket configured, time to fuel up. We are GO for tanking, trucks already left for the pad a few mins ago, hooking up now
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h30m] tanking complete, rocket is topped of with 9.9u (49kg) of liquid fuel & 12.1u (60kg) of oxidizer. Final pad check underway by crew
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
while workers ensure pad is ready, launch ctrl monitors fuel levels for leaks, RSO completes eastern range setup, rocket runs diagnostics
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h45m] fuel levels holding, pad locked down & crew retreating out of 300m blast radius or into nearby bunker as we begin ignition checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
view from the bunker as the sunset #3 goes down. We are hoping for clearer skies next day cycle, weather to the west reported to be better
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h20m] good continuity to all engine ignitors, local code check of booster electronics good, ops code'll be able to monitor their status
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we are now STANDING BY. One "minor" issue being worked w/a memory address error on the M-315 control unit, have USI tech support on the line
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
memory issue has been resolved, no further issues being worked. All spectators please take note of viewing area closure for VAB roof repair
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] MSV Tongjess will be our range monitoring ship today, has parked itself offshore to the east, coordinating w/ Range Safety Officer
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h] MSV Lymun is now only 70km downrange - we're not sure how much further than 43km downrange the payload will go but it will be further
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
RSO reports Tongjess has been trying & failing to contact a vessel on radar heading straight down our launch corridor with obvious intent
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Tongjess is moving off station to intercept, but it's not outfitted w/any means to actually stop the incoming ship if it does not turn away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] HOLD COUNT - Tongjess reports the ship swung around them and is continuing uprange towards KSC, ID'd as a KerVoyant merchant vessel
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
ship continues to ignore hails, but we have a pretty good idea what is about to happen. KerVoyant is run by a deeply Monolithic family
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
KerVoyant ship has pulled up 2km offshore directly east of the launch pad and dropped anchor. Comm channels just lit up w/recorded speech
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
they're blanketing all channels & if they continue to do so we'll be unable to communicate w/Tongjess or Lymun. Standby on speech transcript
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
recording is looping. We've put the call out to Umbarg authorities but this whole event is rather unprecedented & will take time to resolve
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
this is, of course, exactly what KerVoyant intended. Launch is scrubbed today >:( here is what we're getting over all our comms channels
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
right now, the only entity in the wrong is KerVoyant. We will not add ourselves to that list by doing anything rash
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we've dispatched our rescue craft to relay orders to Tongjess, who will run them out to Lymun, for both crafts to standby for launch tmrw
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
assuming we can get this ship out of here by then (working on it!), we will aim for the end of our 1st daytime window @ 13:40 UTC w/4h count
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce flight testing tomorrow will be pushed back to 3rd sunrise to free up launch ctrl (which is also flight ctrl) for the Progeny launch
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket is unfueled & powered down, still working on "range issue". Problem: there's no real law or regulation against what they are doing
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
it's been on nothing but good faith ships (that rarely come by anyways) have stayed clear while new regulations are being pushed thru govt
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have word from Sheltered Rock the gov't has taken notice, which means this could actually get at least partially resolved today?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
FINALLY - emergency Assembly session ratified new maritime regs, salvage hauler from Umbarg coming to cut anchor & tow KerVoyant ship away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we will issue a formal statement on today's incident after tomorrow's launch early in the day. Everybody now: 🚀 GO PROGENY!! 🚀
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-4h] unfortunately this time of day not a lot of airship traffic so can only do with Wx reports from Umbarg & Kravass. Launch ops timeline
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
tune back into bit.ly/ProgenyMk5-3 for updates with additional information on the rocket's status as launch prep progresses
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h40m] launch team being briefed. Although everyone knows the drill from yesterday, procedure is procedure. Can't assume anyone knows all
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-3h10m] no storms or otherwise bad weather noted by Umbarg or Kravass, still dark outside but no rain so we are GO to proceed w/preflight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Wx kerbs have noted however that wind is out of the east currently @ 6-8kts, which could be a problem as Mk5 can't launch in E winds > 5kts
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
good response from rocket, control unit initialized. Fuel trucks on the way to the pad while launch base is configured to receive propellant
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h55m] tanking ops are GO to refill the 3rd stage tanks with a total of 109kg liquid propellant, fuel system being configured to monitor
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-2h40m] clockwork launch prep proceeding, Lanalye runs a tight ship! Fueling done, now to monitor for leaks & prep pad for engine checks
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
🌅Sunrise/Sunset🌄
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/19
#2🌅07:00:30 !!🚀!! 🌄10:24:31
#3🌅13:01:21 🌄16:25:22
#4🌅19:02:12 🌄22:26:13
9/20
#1🌅01:03:03 🌄04:27:04
@ KSC (UTC-4)
9/19
#2🌅07:00:30 !!🚀!! 🌄10:24:31
#3🌅13:01:21 🌄16:25:22
#4🌅19:02:12 🌄22:26:13
9/20
#1🌅01:03:03 🌄04:27:04
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
sunrise from outside Launch Control shows we may have clouds *and* wind to deal with this day cycle. Wind could pickup w/sun rising too
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h55m] pad is clearing, fuel levels holding steady, engines will undergo ignition & booster systems checks to ensure good electronic ctrl
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-1h30m] MSV Tongjess has begun to coordinate w/RSO to get the eastern range setup for monitoring. At this time no vessels in radar range
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-45m] final operations code has been onloaded & is running, standing by for terminal count. Launch rehearsal underway in launch control
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] Wx GO for final count, scattered clouds will not impede visual monitoring, upper-level clouds are sparse to none. Winds however...
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we'll be monitoring winds up to L-0, still 6-8kts but gusts have ceased. We can't have winds >5kts out of the east for first 3-5s of flight
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Mk5 launch raises nose to within 1° of vertical, any wind >5kts will push it over and it will ascend west over KSC instead of out to sea
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-20m] final confirmation from Lymun on recovery readiness while Tongjess & RSO prepare to lock down the eastern range ahead of rocket arm
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] eastern range is clear, pad is clear, rocket is ARMED and ready for ignition. Any incursions = hold & hold = scrub until 3rd sunrise
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
winds remain above launch commit criteria but they have been variable & could die down - we only need just a few seconds of <5kts!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] final general poll: Wx GO, Range GO, Flight GO, Tracking GO, Launch clearance granted! 🚀GO PROGENY!🚀 Everyone blow hard west plz
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] AFCS has control, rocket is switched to internal power & RF comms as ground umbilicals are pulled. Wind conditions remain red
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] bit.ly/ProgenyMk5-3 will carry live flight updates, T-30s final poll will carry w/high winds - can hold all the way up to L-0
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
HOLD HOLD HOLD! Winds remain red. Countdown has been terminated, rocket being safed & we are working to recycle the count to L-30m w/new L-0
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
new L-0 time is start of next daylight window @ 17:35 UTC, rocket will remain fueled all systems in standby to pickup count again @ L-30min
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have released a brief statement about the events of yesterday's launch delay, which you can read on our website: kerbalspace.agency/?p=5253
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
no real new info, just a promise to keep keeping on in spite of clear religious opposition (in this case) to our scientific exploration
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-30m] controllers all back on console, control unit being re-initialized with new L-0 time. Skies clear, air dry & winds are calm
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
rocket control is reset & ready for terminal count, fuel continues to maintain levels & all rocket systems remained nominal over hold
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-20m] MSV Lymun confirms it is still in position & rdy for recovery ops w/good sea conditions. RSO/Tongjess working to ensure clear range
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-15m] range is clear, we are GO for rocket arming. Weather continues to look very favorable tho winds could pick up again w/ sun now risen
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
if you check the battery lvls on bit.ly/ProgenyMk5-3 by hovering over the icon, you'll see they are more depleted than normal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
these batteries do not recharge, so altho we plugged ground power back in, the previous terminal count drained them a bit. plenty left still
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L-5m] back once again to final general poll: Wx GO, Range GO, Flight GO, Tracking GO, Launch clearance authorized! 🚀GO PROGENY!🚀 for reals?
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-2m] flight computer is back in charge, monitoring EC drain as rocket switches to internal power. RF comms are 5x5 all systems nominal
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[T-1m] we have a light 1-2kts breeze out of the east, Wx is monitoring. Manual abort works up to L-0, can be flipped w/o FD okay past T-10s
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
booster ignition & liftoff of the 3rd Progeny Mk5 making for space & our highest Mk5 apokee yet! Flight reports nominal ascent off pad
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+1m] despite log, 2nd stage actually decoupled <1s after flame-out, bumping 3rd stage into large wobble but spin is holding stabilization
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+2m] MECO & we are headed up to an apokee of 104km. Controllers are completely hands-off now, just monitoring rdy to jump in if needed
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
surprisingly payload has only traveled 13km downrange so far, so we have Tongjess moving east to intercept & recover as Lymun is >30min away
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+6m] we've been to space & back, now waiting for re-entry LOS, AOS & chute deployment, then LOS from horizon & confirmation from Tongjess
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
[L+7m] 25s comm blackout during re-entry was followed by successful chute deploy, Tongjess has eyes on as it descends & reports good chute
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we lost signal just after the last tweet but Tongjess reports intact splashdown & is moving into position to deploy recovery craft to get it
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
that's a successful recovery! Payload landed just 31km downrange & we'll find out why when engineers review TDU. Expecting report late today
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have the Mk5 payload & will be performing analysis late into today to ensure we can make any changes for tomorrow's launch. Crunch time!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have a short video of the Mk5 "standing up" when coming off the launch base, which is why E winds are a hazard youtube.com/watch?v=p6N0Lc…
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
we have completed the analysis of today's launch. Details of the flight & plans for tomorrow can be found here: bit.ly/ProgenitorPR15
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Deuce crash prelim report, Mk5 flight overview for this week's bit.ly/OpsSummary9-18… - everyone relax this weekend you all earned it!!
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
Progeny Mk5 report is out covering what we've learned in comparison to the Mk4 & plans for program moving forward: bit.ly/Progenitor-PR2
Kerbal Space Agency
@KSA_MissionCtrl
biggest non-technical mumbo-jumbo takeaway: the new more powerful Mk5 Block I, with the even bigger Block II set to be finalized next week!!
